Risk Factors For Postoperative Delirium Research Articles

Post-operative delirium in older patients following cancer related and other high-risk surgeries.

e24024 Background: Older adults are at increased risk for postoperative delirium (POD). This risk might be higher in patients with cancer as underlying malignancy and its complications predispose individuals to develop delirium. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the onset of delirium in this patient population especially as POD is associated with increased risk of rehospitalization, decline in cognitive function, morbidity and mortality. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients aged ≥ 70 years admitted January 2017 through July 2019 to a tertiary care referral center for a high-risk surgery, defined as associated with a mortality risk greater than 1%. Cancer related surgeries (CRS) were identified through cross matching with Cancer Registry. Patients who had delirium assessment in the postoperative setting using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) were included. Chi-square tests of proportion, Wilcoxon Ranked Sum and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 2340 patients were included in this analysis, 315 of whom had (CRS). Overall, the age (median, IQR) of patients at surgery was 76 years (72-80) and the length of stay (LOS) was 7 (4-11) days. Patients receiving CRS were younger (75, 72-79) than those with non-CRS (76, 72-81) (p = 0.022); had a shorter post-operative LOS (4, 2-7 vs. 5, 3-8; p > 0.001), and were less likely to develop POD (7.6% vs. 16.1%; p < 0.001). Among patients receiving CSR, those who developed POD were older (78 vs. 74; p = 0.008) and had longer post-operative LOS (14.0 vs. 4.0; p < 0.001). Those having experienced radiotherapy (RT) for cancer within the year before the surgery, were more likely to develop POD (40.0% vs. 6.6% p. < 0.001). Chemotherapy in the year prior to surgery did not increase the risk of POD (6.1% vs. 7.8%; p = 0.721). Among those having non-CRS, a cancer diagnosis did not affect POD. A logistic regression predicting POD indicated that the lower likelihood of POD following CRS was independent of age or gender (OR = 0.40; p < .001); RT within one year prior was independent predictor of higher POD (OR = 5.48; p = 0.003). Our data presentation will include further analysis of POD risk factors. Conclusions: Although older adults receiving CRS were significantly less likely to develop delirium than patients with other high-risk surgeries, it is still important to evaluate POD in this population due to its impact of patients’ outcomes. Further understanding of POD risk factors, such as preoperative RT, would allow the development of targeted interventions that might lessen the risk.

Efficacy of Intervention for Prevention of Postoperative Delirium after Spine Surgery.

Introduction Delirium after spine surgery is an important complication; identification of risk factors associated with postoperative delirium (PD) is essential for reducing its incidence. Prophylactic intervention for PD has been reported to be effective. This study aimed to identify risk factors for PD and determine the efficacy of a prevention program using a delirium risk scoring system for PD after spine surgery. Methods This study was conducted in two stages. First, 294 patients (167 males, 127 females) who underwent spine surgery from 2013 to 2014 were assessed to examine the incidence and risk factors of PD and to establish a novel PD screening tool (Group A). Second, preoperative intervention was performed on 265 patients who underwent surgery from 2016 to 2017 (Group B) for the purpose of preventing PD using a delirium risk scoring system. Outcomes, including PD incidence and rates of adverse events, were compared between Group A and Group B. Results A logistic regression analysis revealed that psychiatric disorders (odds ratio [OR] = 10.3, P < 0.001), benzodiazepine use (OR = 4.9, P < 0.001), age > 70 years (OR = 4.2, P < 0.001), hearing loss (OR = 3.7, P = 0.001), and admission to intensive care unit (ICU) (OR = 3.7, P = 0.006) were independent risk factors associated with PD. Based on these results, we established a novel delirium screening tool after spine surgery. PD incidence was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (22% vs. 13%, P = 0.0008). The occurrence of dangerous behavioral symptoms was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (66% vs. 40%, P = 0.02). The catheter problem tended to be higher in Group A than in Group B (19% vs. 9%, P = 0.245). Conclusions In this study, psychiatric disorders, benzodiazepine use, age > 70 years, hearing loss, and admission to ICU were independent risk factors associated with PD. With the introduction of the delirium risk score, the onset of delirium was delayed, and adverse outcomes of delirium were reduced.

The Incidence and Predictors of Postoperative Delirium After Brain Tumor Resection in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Postoperative delirium (POD) describes a multifactorial disease process occurring after surgery. However, few studies have focused on patients undergoing brain tumor resection, and its influencing factors are unclear. We performed a 1-year, single-center, cross-sectional, retrospective survey at Huashan Hospital. Patients were screened using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU), Confusion Assessment Method, and Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale by trained bedside nurses. Perioperative data were collected using demographic and disease-related questionnaires. The primary outcome measures were the incidence of POD and subtype of POD. Independent predictors of POD were estimated from multivariate logistic regression models, and receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to compare the predictive performance of the models. Of the 916 patients included in the study, 893 were analyzed. The overall incidence was 14.78%, 67 had hyperactive delirium (50.76%), 55 had hypoactive delirium (41.67%), and 10 had mixed delirium (7.57%). Age, sex, working status, tobacco use history, comorbidities, physical restraint, axillary temperature (>38.5°C), electrolyte disturbances, duration of anesthesia, pathologic diagnosis, tumor site, length of disease, and duration of operation were risk factors for POD. Conversely, saddle area mass was a protective factor. Age, tobacco use history, electrolyte disturbances, physical restraint, and duration of operation were included in the model. POD is harmful to patients undergoing brain tumor resection, increasing length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospitalization costs. Intraoperative factors and postoperative factors, in addition to older age and tobacco use history, are associated with POD.

Pre-operative hemoglobin level and use of sedative-hypnotics are independent risk factors for post-operative delirium following total knee arthroplasty

BackgroundDelirium is a well-known complication following surgery, especially with the increasing age of patients undergoing surgery. The increasing demands resulting from a prolonged healthy life expectancy has resulted in more arthroplasties despite their age and existing comorbidities. The purpose of this study is to explore the various risk factors that may contribute to delirium in unilateral and bilateral total knee arthroplasties in the elderly population.Methods170 patients who underwent unilateral or bilateral total knee arthroplasties were analyzed retrospectively for delirium. Age, sex, comorbidities, use of sedative-hypnotics, peri-operative blood loss, pre- and post-operative laboratory blood test results were investigated and analyzed.ResultsThe incidence of post-operative delirium was 6.5% (11 out of 170 patients) with a mean age of 79.5 (± 6.9) years, compared to 73.0 (± 9.0) years in the non-delirium group. Higher age, use of sedative-hypnotics, low pre-operative Hb and Ht, low post-operative Hb, Ht and BUN were observed in the delirium group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that the use of sedative-hypnotics and pre-operative Hb level were independent risk factors for post-operative delirium after TKA. The odds ratios for the use of sedative-hypnotics and pre-operative Hb level were 4.6 and 0.53, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that pre-operative Hb of less than 11.1 g/dL was a predictor for the development of delirium, with a sensitivity of 54.6% and a specificity of 91.6%.ConclusionPatients with a pre-operative Hb level of < 11.1 g/dL or those using sedative-hypnotics are associated with post-operative delirium. Peri-operative management and preventative measures are therefore needed to reduce the risks of post-operative delirium in such patients.

Patient-related and anesthesia-dependent determinants for postoperative delirium after oral and maxillofacial surgery. Results from a register-based case-control study

ObjectiveTo identify risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) after general oral and maxillofacial surgery. Material and methods2420 patients were screened postoperatively for POD using the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (NuDESC) before discharge from the post anesthesia caring unit (PACU). Basic health data and risk factors were collected. For analysis the study group (n=41) was compared to a control group of 164 randomly selected patients (case-control-ratio=1:4). To identify risk factors for POD multivariable logistic regression models were used. To see whether estimations remain stable, regression analysis was repeated for the subgroup of patients not undergoing dentoalveolar surgery (n=105). To estimate the risk for dentoalveolar surgery a logistic regression model was performed. ResultsDementia was the only significant risk factor for POD (Odds ratio 41.5; 95% CI 5.48–314), also for patients undergoing other than dentoalveolar surgery (58.1; 1.70–1983). Patients undergoing dentoalveolar surgery were more often suffering from dementia (35.5; 2.85–441), other psychiatric and neurological disorders (3.15; 1.05–9.43), were of younger age (0.97; 0.94–1.00) and had higher anesthesiological risk (3.95; 1.04–14.9). ConclusionPatients with dementia are at higher risk to develop POD after oral and maxillofacial surgery. We found a strong interdependence between age, dementia, ASA-Score and dentoalveolar surgery.

Prevalence and risk factors of postoperative delirium after spinal surgery: a meta-analysis

ObjectivePostoperative delirium (POD) was common after spinal surgery, but the main findings in previous studies remained conflicting. This current meta-analysis was aimed at exploring the prevalence and risk factors of POD after spinal surgery.MethodsPubMed and Embase were searched from inception to June 2019. Studies which reported the prevalence and risk factors of POD after spinal surgery were included. STATA version 12.0 was employed to analyze the pooled data. Statistical heterogeneity across included studies was identified using the I2 statistics.ResultsA total of 28 studies with 588,732 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of POD after spinal surgery was 0.85% (95%CI, 0.83–0.88%) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 97.3%). The central nervous system disorder (OR 4.73; 95%CI, 4.30–5.19) was a strong predictor for POD, whereas age (OR 1.16; 95%CI, 1.05–2.47; I2 = 99.2%) and blood loss (OR 1.10; 95%CI, 1.01–1.20; I2 = 93.3%) were weaker predictors. The funnel plot and statistical tests suggested that there existed potential publication bias, but the trim and fill method indicated that the pooled prevalence basically kept stable after adding two “missing” studies.ConclusionsThe pooled POD after spinal surgery ranges from 0.83 to 0.88%. The central nervous system disorder, age, and blood loss were potential risk factors for POD.

Relationship between tumor grade and postoperative delirium in adult patients with glioma

Objective To analyze the incidence and risk factors of postoperative delirium (POD) in patients with glioma and to explore the association between WHO (World Health Organization) tumor grades and POD. Methods A second analysis of clinical data from 113 adult glioma patients in a single-center, prospective cohort study of 800 neurosurgery patients was conducted from March 2017 to February 2018 at Department of Critical Medicine (ICU), Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University. Patients were assessed for delirium on the first to third days post surgery (twice a day) using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) and Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU). The patient was divided into delirium group (43 cases) and non-delirium group (70 cases) by whether the patient had had delirium. We collected the patient’s general preoperative information, preoperative condition, early postoperative clinical data, and neurosurgical specialty data (including WHO grades) as potential risk factors that may be associated with the occurrence of POD. The independent risk factors of POD were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. In particular, the relationship between WHO glioma grade and POD was explored. Results In 113 glioma patients who were admitted to the ICU for routine postoperative monitoring, the incidence of POD was 38.1% (43/113). The incidence of POD in patients with WHO grade Ⅰ-Ⅳ gliomas increased with the increase of the WHO grade: 7.7% (1/13), 14.3% (3/21), 22.7% (5/22) and 63.0% (34/57). Among the potential risk factors, age (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.04-1.13, P<0.001), GCS (Glasgow coma scale) score at admission to ICU (OR=0.80, 95% CI: 0.71-0.90, P<0.001) and the WHO grade of tumor (OR=2.01, 95% CI: 1.03-3.92, P=0.041) was independent risk factors for POD. Conclusions The WHO grade of glioma is an independent risk factor for POD. With the increase of tumor grade, the incidence of POD also increases. Key words: Glioma; Neurosurgical procedures; Delirium; Neoplasm grading; Compensa-tory neuroplasticity

Risk Factors and Mechanisms of Postoperative Delirium After Intracranial Neurosurgical Procedures

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a condition characterized by cerebral dysfunction or failure and associated with high morbidity and mortality, prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stay, increased costs and long-term disability. The risk factors can be divided into three categories: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative. POD is underrecognized, underdiagnosed, and undertreated condition which can also lead to potentially life-threatening conditions. Prevention and treatment of POD include adequate perioperative pain control, maintenance of optimal blood pressure, water-electrolyte balance, hypo- and hyperglycemia, sleep hygiene. Despite POD has been extensively studied in various types of surgery, there is not enough evidence on POD in intracranial neurosurgery. Patients undergoing open craniotomy might be at particular risk because on top of the above-mentioned factors, they also might have a direct neurosurgical brain injury. Future research on the POD in neurosurgical patients after intracranial interventions is needed. A bibliographic search was performed in the MEDLINE and PubMed virtual library. The following descriptors were used: POD, neurosurgery, anesthesia, and POD, postoperative pain management and POD, water and electrolyte imbalance and POD, neurochemistry of POD. We included in this review original and review articles in the English language. Majority of non-neurosurgical patients have multiple risk factors for POD (preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative); patients undergoing intracranial neurosurgery on top of that might have additional risks associated with neurosurgical pathology (brain tumor, cerebral hemorrhage, and severe traumatic injury) as well as neurosurgery-induced brain injury can also appear to be a contributing factor.

Preoperative Risk Assessment for Delirium After Hepatic Resection in the Elderly: a Prospective Multicenter Study

BackgroundHepatic resection often results in delirium in preoperatively self-sufficient elderly people. The association of frailty with postoperative delirium remains unclear, and preoperative risk assessment, including frailty, of postoperative delirium has not been established. MethodsThis prospective multicenter study included 295 independently living patients aged ≥ 65 years scheduled for initial hepatic resection. All patients answered the phenotypic frailty index Kihon Checklist, which is a self-reporting list of 25 questions, within a week before surgery. The risk factors for postoperative delirium were investigated. Patients who scored ≥ 4 in the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist were designated as having postoperative delirium. ResultsDelirium developed after liver resection in 22 of 295 patients (7.5%). Total Kihon Checklist score (≥ 6 points), age (≥ 75 years), and serum albumin concentration (≤ 3.7 g/dL) were the independent risk factors for postoperative delirium. The proportion of patients with postoperative delirium was 0% in those with no applicable risk factors, 3.2% in those with one applicable risk factor, 12.0% in those with two applicable risk factors, and 40.9% in those with all three factors (p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for this risk assessment for predicting postoperative delirium was 0.842. ConclusionThe use of these three factors for preoperative risk assessment may be effective in predicting and preparing for delirium after hepatic resection in elderly patients.

The Prevalence and Impact of Undiagnosed Mild Cognitive Impairment in Elderly Patients Undergoing Thoracic Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study

The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of undiagnosed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and its association with adverse outcomes in elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery. A prospective cohort study. Large tertiary medical center. The authors enrolled 170 patients aged 65 years or older who were scheduled for thoracic surgery between November 7, 2018, and April 1, 2019, at the Shanghai Chest Hospital. Patients with a history of schizophrenia or dementia disease, uncorrected vision or hearing impairment, and refusal to participate were excluded. A total of 154 elderly patients completed the Chinese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test preoperatively and were included in the final analysis. They were categorized into a normal group (MoCA ≥ 26 scores, group N) and an abnormal group (MoCA < 26 scores, group AN) based on test results. Delirium was assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method twice daily during the first 3 postoperative days. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative delirium (POD). Secondary outcomes included the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), cardiovascular complications, other complications, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and the hospital length of stay (LOS). The incidence of MCI before thoracic surgery in elderly patients was 49.4% (76 of 154). Compared with group N, MCI could increase the incidence of POD (14.1% v 30.3%, p = 0.016) and median LOS (4 d v 5 d, p = 0.016). However, the differences in pulmonary complications, cardiovascular and other complications, and ICU stay were not significant. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed preoperative MCI (OR = 2.573, 95% CI =1.092 to 6.060, p = 0.031) as an independent risk factor of POD. Compared with the elderly patients without POD, POD could increase the risk of PPCs (17.5% v 35.3%, p = 0.026) and median LOS (4 d v 5 d, p < 0.001). The incidence of MCI before thoracic surgery in elderly patients was higher and associated with a higher rate of adverse postoperative outcomes. The findings may be important for preoperative patient counseling, operative planning, and eventually reducing potential risk exposure and related outcomes.

Postoperative Serum Albumin Decrease Independently Predicts Delirium in the Elderly Subjects after Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Postoperative delirium (POD), a neurobehavioral syndrome induced by dysfunction of neural activity, is a common and serious complication. This current study aimed to investigate independent predictors for POD in elderly subjects after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Eligible elderly patients (≥65 years) who underwent elective unilateral primary hip or knee arthroplasty under epidural anesthesia from October 2016 to January 2019 were consecutively enrolled. POD was diagnosed following the guidance of the 5th edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (DSM V, 2013). The relative change in serum Alb (ΔAlb) was defined as the absolute value of (preoperative Alb value- nadir value within postoperative day 2)/preoperative Alb ×100%. The predictive value of ΔAlb for POD was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used for evaluating risk factors for POD. A total of 328 patients were enrolled in the analysis, of which 68 (20.7%, 68/328) patients developed POD within postoperative 7 days. ΔAlb was an effective predictor for POD with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.821, a sensitivity of 76.15% and a specificity of 70.59%, respectively (P<0.001). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that ΔAlb was the only independent risk factor for POD (OR: 2.43, 95%CI: 1.17-4.86, P=0.015). ΔAlb was an independent risk factor for POD in elderly subjects after TJA.

Risk factors for delirium after intertrochanteric fracture surgery in the elderly

Objective To investigate the risk factors for delirium after intertrochanteric fracture surgery in the elderly. Methods The data of 423 elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture were retrospectively analyzed who had been treated by closed reduction and internal fixation with proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) at Department of Orthopedics, The Second Central Hospital of Baoding from December 2010 to April 2018. They were 205 males and 218 females, aged from 70 to 98 years (mean, 78.6 years). By AO classification, 239 fractures were type 31-A1, 141 ones type 31-A2, and 43 ones type 31-A3. Of them, 362 were complicated with disease of internal medicine. The interval from injury to surgery ranged from 4 to 72 hours with an average of 46.6 hours. The incidence of postoperative delirium was recorded. The risk factors were screened by univariate analysis from the hidden blood loss, gender, age, body mass index, complications, anesthesia method, preoperative preparation time and electrolyte disturbance; multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors from the factors with P< 0.05. Results Post-operative delirium occurred in 49 of the 423 patients (11.58%) (29 cases on the first postoperative day and 20 ones on the second postoperative day). It was not observed in the other 374 (88.42%) patients. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in the interval from injury to surgery, hidden blood loss and electrolyte disturbance between the patients with and without postoperative delirium (P 48 hours (OR=3.386, 95% CI: 1.362 to 6.638), hidden blood loss>600 mL (OR=10.292, 95% CI: 1.244 to 35.091) and electrolyte disturbance (OR=4.157, 95% CI: 1.595 to 7.626) were the independent risk factors for postoperative delirium in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture. Conclusion Long preoperative preparation, a large amount of hidden blood loss and postoperative electrolyte disturbance may be the risk factors for post-operative delirium in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture afterinternal fixation. Key words: Hip fractures; Latent blood loss; Delirium; Risk factors; Aged

Identification of risk factors for postoperative delirium after esophagectomy: Methodological issues

Identification of risk factors for postoperative delirium after esophagectomy: Methodological issues

Risk Factors and Mechanisms of Postoperative Delirium After Intracranial Neurosurgical Procedures.

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a condition characterized by cerebral dysfunction or failure and associated with high morbidity and mortality, prolonged intensive care unit and hospital stay, increased costs and long-term disability. The risk factors can be divided into three categories: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative. POD is underrecognized, underdiagnosed, and undertreated condition which can lead to potentially life-threatening conditions. Prevention and treatment of POD include adequate perioperative pain control, maintenance of optimal blood pressure, water-electrolyte balance, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, sleep hygiene. Despite POD has been extensively studied in various types of surgery, there is not enough evidence on POD in intracranial neurosurgery. Patients undergoing open craniotomy might be at particular risk because on top of the above-mentioned factors, they also can have a direct neurosurgical brain injury. Future research on the POD in neurosurgical patients after intracranial interventions is needed. A bibliographic search was performed in the MEDLINE and PubMed virtual library. The following descriptors were used: POD, neurosurgery, anesthesia and POD, postoperative pain management and POD, water and electrolyte imbalance and POD, neurochemistry of POD. We included in this review original and review articles in the English language. Majority of non-neurosurgical patients have multiple risk factors for POD (preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative); patients undergoing intracranial neurosurgery might have additional risks associated with neurosurgical pathology (brain tumor, cerebral hemorrhage, and severe traumatic brain injury) as well as neurosurgery-induced brain injury can also appear to be a contributing factor.

Postoperative delirium after reconstructive surgery for oral tumor: a retrospective clinical study

The aim of this study was to perform a statistical evaluation of the risk factors for postoperative delirium after oral tumor resection and reconstructive surgery. The records of 69 consecutive patients who underwent major head and neck tumor resection and reconstructive surgery, and who received postoperative management in the high care unit (HCU) or intensive care unit (ICU) of Tsukuba University Hospital between January 2013 and December 2017, were analysed retrospectively. Delirium was diagnosed in 23 patients (33.3%) after surgery. There were significant differences in age, sex, history of diabetes mellitus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, recent hospitalization history, sedation period, duration of ventilator use, length of ICU/HCU stay, postoperative blood tests (haemoglobin and potassium), and postoperative medication with a major tranquilizer between those with and without delirium. Logistic regression analysis of selected independent variables revealed a hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.42 (1.09–1.86) for the sedation period. Delirium was hyperactive type in 15 cases, hypoactive type in five, and mixed type in three. There was no obvious difference in postoperative day of onset or delirium period according to subtype. In conclusion, a history of diabetes and the sedation period were found to be related to postoperative delirium. However, this study was small and retrospective, so further investigation is necessary.

Postoperative anaemia might be a risk factor for postoperative delirium and prolonged hospital stay: A secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study.

BackgroundPostoperative anaemia is a frequent surgical complication and in contrast to preoperative anaemia has not been validated in relation to mortality, morbidity and its associated health economic effect. Postoperative anaemia can predispose postoperative delirium through impairment of cerebral oxygenation. The aim of this secondary analysis is to investigate the association of postoperative anaemia in accordance with the sex specific World Health Organization definition of anaemia to postoperative delirium and its impact on the duration of hospital stay.MethodsA secondary analysis of the prospective multicentric observational CESARO-study was conducted. 800 adult patients undergoing elective surgery were enrolled from various operative disciplines across seven hospitals ranging from university hospitals, district general hospitals to specialist clinics of minimally invasive surgery in Germany. Patients were classified as anaemic according to the World Health Organization parameters, setting the haemoglobin level cut off below 12g/dl for females and below 13g/dl for males. Focus of the investigation were patients with acute anaemia. Patients with present preoperative anaemia or missing haemoglobin measurement were excluded from the sample set. Delirium screening was established postoperatively for at least 24 hours and up to three days, applying the validated Nursing Delirium Screening Scale.ResultsThe initial sample set contained 800 patients of which 183 were suitable for analysis in the study. Ninety out of 183 (49.2%) suffered from postoperative anaemia. Ten out of 93 (10.9%) patients without postoperative anaemia developed a postoperative delirium. In the group with postoperative anaemia, 28 (38.4%) out of 90 patients suffered from postoperative delirium (odds ratio 3.949, 95% confidence interval, (1.358–11.480)) after adjustment for NYHA-stadium, severity of surgery, cutting/suture time, duration of anaesthesia, transfusion of packed red cells and sedation status with Richmond Agitation Scale after surgery.Additionally, patients who suffered from postoperative anaemia showed a significantly longer duration of hospitalisation (7.75 vs. 12.42 days, odds ratio = 1.186, 95% confidence interval, 1.083–1.299, after adjustments).ConclusionThe study results reveal that postoperative anaemia is not only a frequent postsurgical complication with an incidence probability of almost 50%, but could also be associated with a postoperative delirium and a prolonged hospitalisation.

Postoperative delirium after major orthopedic surgery

Postoperative delirium (POD) is one of the most common complications in older adult patients undergoing elective surgery. Few studies have compared, within the same institution, the type of surgery, risk factors and type of anesthesia and analgesia associated with the development of POD. To investigate the following three questions: (1) What is the incidence of POD after non-ambulatory orthopedic surgery at a high-volume orthopedic specialty hospital? (2) Does surgical procedure influence incidence of POD after non-ambulatory orthopedic surgery? And (3) For POD after non-ambulatory orthopedic surgery, what are modifiable risk factors? A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all non-ambulatory orthopedic surgeries at a single orthopedic specialty hospital between 2009 and 2014. Patients under 18 years were excluded from the cohort. Patient characteristics and medical history were obtained from electronic medical records. Patients with POD were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) codes that were not present on admission. For incidence analyses, the cohort was grouped into total hip arthroplasty (THA), bilateral THA, total knee arthroplasty (TKA), bilateral TKA, spine fusion, other spine procedures, femur/pelvic fracture, and other procedures using ICD-9 codes. For descriptive and regression analyses, the cohort was grouped, using ICD-9 codes, into THA, TKA, spinal fusions, and all procedures. Of 78492 surgical inpatient surgeries, the incidence from 2009 to 2014 was 1.2% with 959 diagnosed with POD. The incidence of POD was higher in patients undergoing spinal fusions (3.3%) than for patients undergoing THA (0.8%); THA patients had the lowest incidence. Also, urgent and/or emergent procedures, defined by femoral and pelvic fractures, had the highest incidence of POD (7.2%) than all other procedures. General anesthesia was not seen as a significant risk factor for POD for any procedure type; however, IV patient-controlled analgesia was a significant risk factor for patients undergoing THA [Odds ratio (OR) = 1.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19 to 3.28, P = 0.008]. Significant risk factors for POD included advanced age (for THA, OR = 4.9, 95%CI: 3.0-7.9, P < 0.001; for TKA, OR = 2.16, 95%CI: 1.58-2.94, P < 0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or higher (for THA, OR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.33-3.05, P < 0.001), multiple medical comorbidities, hyponatremia (for THA, OR = 2.36, 95%CI: 1.54 to 3.64, P < 0.001), parenteral diazepam (for THA, OR = 5.05, 95%CI: 1.5-16.97, P = 0.009; for TKA, OR = 4.40, 95%CI: 1.52-12.75, P = 0.007; for spine fusion, OR = 2.17, 95%CI: 1.19-3.97, P = 0.01), chronic opioid dependence (for THA, OR = 7.11, 95%CI: 3.26-15.51, P < 0.001; for TKA, OR = 2.98, 95%CI: 1.38-6.41, P = 0.005) and alcohol dependence (for THA, OR = 5.05, 95%CI: 2.72-9.37, P < 0.001; for TKA, OR = 6.40, 95%CI: 4.00-10.26, P < 0.001; for spine fusion, OR = 6.64, 95%CI: 3.72-11.85, P < 0.001). POD is lower (1.2%) than previously reported; likely due to the use of multi-modal regional anesthesia and early ambulation. Both fixed and modifiable factors are identified.

Evaluating Mechanisms of Postoperative Delirium and Cognitive Dysfunction Following Elective Spine Surgery in Elderly Patients (CONFESS): Protocol for a Prospective Observational Trial.

BackgroundElderly people are at particular high risk for postoperative delirium (POD) following spine surgery, which is associated with longer hospital stays, higher costs, risk for delayed complications, long-term care dependency, and cognitive dysfunction (POCD). It is insufficiently understood which mechanisms and risk factors contribute to the development of POD and POCD following these major but plannable surgeries.ObjectiveThis study aims to identify modifiable risk factors in spine surgery. A better understanding thereof would help adapt medical management and surgical strategies to individual risk profiles.MethodsThis is a single-center observational study jointly conducted by the departments of neurosurgery, neurology, and anesthesiology at a tertiary care hospital in Germany. All patients aged 60 years and older presenting to the neurosurgery outpatient clinic or ward for elective spine surgery are screened for eligibility. Exclusion criteria include presence of neurodegenerative or history of psychiatric disease and medication with significant central nervous system activity (eg, antidepressants, antipsychotics, sedatives). Surgical and anesthetic procedures including duration of surgery as primary end point of this study are thoroughly documented. All patients are furthermore evaluated for their preoperative cognitive abilities by a number of tests, including the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Plus test battery. Physical, mental, and social health and well-being are assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Profile 29 and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Patients additionally receive preoperative cerebrovascular ultrasound and structural and functional brain imaging. The immediate postoperative period includes screening for POD using the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale and validation through Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, criteria. We furthermore investigate markers of (neuro)inflammation (eg, interleukins, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha). Preoperative examinations are repeated 3 months postoperatively to investigate the presence of POCD and its mechanisms. Statistical analyses will compare delirious and nondelirious patients for predictors of immediate (POD) and delayed (POCD) cognitive dysfunction.ResultsThis is the first study to prospectively evaluate risk factors for POD and POCD in spine surgery. Recruitment is ongoing, and data collection is estimated to be finished with the inclusion of 200 patients by mid-2020.ConclusionsThe identification of mechanisms, possibly common, underlying POD and POCD would be a major step toward defining effective interventional strategies early in or even before the postoperative period, including the adaptation of surgical strategies to individual risk profiles.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03486288; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03486288

Predisposing and Precipitating Factors Associated With Postoperative Delirium in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center: A Pilot Retrospective Analysis

Patients treated at Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers are in poorer health, experience more medical and psychiatric conditions, and make greater use of medical resources than do patients in the general population. In the present pilot study, the authors examined their recent experience at a VA medical center to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with the development of postoperative delirium in VA patients after cardiac surgery and hypothesized that the risk factors for postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery are different between VA and non-VA patients. Retrospective cohort study. Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The study comprised 250 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery from July 2014 to March 2016. None. Demographics, coexisting diseases, and medications were obtained from the VA electronic medical record. The European System for Cardiac Operative Evaluation II mortality risk index was calculated for each patient. The type and duration of the procedure and the duration of bypass were recorded. Intraoperative crystalloid, colloid, cell saver, and blood product volumes were compiled. Progress notes and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification codes were searched for documentation of postoperative delirium. Thirty-eight patients (15.2%) developed postoperative delirium. Stepwise logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the European System for Cardiac Operative Evaluation II mortality risk index (odds ratio [OR] 1.036, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.003-1.070]; p = 0.0344), congestive heart failure (OR 2.223 [95% CI 1.046-4.722]; p = 0.0377), pre-existing cognitive impairment (OR 5.147 [95% CI 1.994-13.28]; p = 0.0007), and the presence of a neuropsychiatric disorder (OR 2.015 [95% CI 1.004-4.043]; p = 0.0487) were predisposing factors associated with higher odds of postoperative delirium. The duration of surgery; transfusion of blood products (including packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets); the durations of mechanical ventilation and conscious sedation (using either propofol or dexmedetomidine); and the length of intensive care unit stay were precipitating factors associated with higher odds of postoperative delirium. The results demonstrate that congestive heart failure, pre-existing cognitive impairment, and the presence of a neuropsychiatric disorder are predisposing risk factors for postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery in VA patients, whereas the duration of surgery, transfusion of blood products, durations of mechanical ventilation and conscious sedation, and length of intensive care unit stay are precipitating factors for postoperative delirium. These findings in VA patients generally are similar to those observed in the civilian population despite the differences between these cohorts.

Impact of skeletal muscle mass on postoperative delirium in patients undergoing free flap repair after oral cancer resection

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a major risk factor for an extended hospital stay and higher costs, and is associated with increased mortality. The incidence of POD is high in free flap procedures, and POD may also be a risk factor for flap loss and complications. Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by skeletal muscle mass (SMM) depletion and a decrease in muscle power or physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD), including SMM, in 122 patients undergoing free flap repair after oral cancer resection. All patients underwent preoperative abdominal-lumbar CT or PET-CT. Cross-sectional areas (cm2) of skeletal muscles at the third lumbar vertebra were measured on preoperative CT, normalized for height, and defined as the skeletal muscle index (SMI, cm2/m2). Risk factors for POD were investigated, including the value of SMI and taking the type of POD into consideration. POD occurred in 45 patients (36.9%), and was hyperactive in 28 (62.2%), mixed in 13 (28.9%), and hypoactive in 4 (8.9%). In multivariate analysis, high preoperative albumin (p = 0.046, adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.69) and postoperative insomnia (p < 0.001, OR = 6.79) were significant risk factors for POD. In a sub-analysis evaluating risk factors restricted to POD including the hypoactive type, lower SMI (p = 0.035, OR = 2.52 per 10-unit decrease) and postoperative insomnia (p = 0.003, OR = 6.37) were significant. We conclude that lower SMM increases the hypoactive and mixed types of POD. Increasing SMM by exercise and nutritional therapy preoperatively may prevent such POD in free flap repair for oral cancer.